Sterling Marlin fights his way to a 17th place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway

 

BRISTOL, Tenn. (August 24, 2003) --- Sterling Marlin and the Coors Light
team had a couple battles at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night,
starting the Sharpie 500 in the 36th position, a tight car early in the
race and a late race run in with Kurt Busch to finish the race 17th and
remain 16th in championship points.   

 

"We just can't seem to buy a top-5 finish nowadays," Marlin said.  "We
have been in position in several races this season and we have not been
able to stay there for the end of the race.  That's racing though, and
we'll work it out.  We just need to rebound and we'll get back at it
next week at Darlington."

 

Marlin started the race in the 36th position and by lap 88 he reported
that his car was "so tight I can't go anywhere."  The team pitted on lap
95 and took four tires, fuel and made adjustments to the track bar.
Marlin ran the next 64 laps and when the caution flag flew on lap 159
Marlin commented that his car was now "so loose I can't give it gas."
The Coors Light team again made adjustments and four more tires and fuel
and Marlin restarted 15th.

 

The car seemed to come to life around lap 196; Marlin was running 11th
and had moved up to 8th within 24 laps.  Crew chief Lee McCall decided
not to pit when the yellow flag came out on lap 222 and Marlin restarted
the race in first place.  The Coors Light Dodge led the race for the
next 33 laps.  After pitting for what should have been the last time on
lap 300 during the caution, Marlin restarted 22nd.  It only took 55 laps
for Marlin and the Coors Light Dodge to get back out front and running
second to Kevin Harvick.

 

Marlin was headed for a top-5 finish until lap 373 when, eventual race
winner, Kurt Busch bumped Marlin from behind and sent the Coors Light
Dodge into the wall.

 

The Coors Light crew had many quick pit stops where they fixed the car
and changed the tires.  Marlin restarted 23rd and was able to salvage
the car and finish 17th in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

 

Ganassi teammates Jamie McMurray and Casey Mears finished third and 21st
respectively.

 

The Coors Light team races at Darlington Raceway next weekend.  The
Southern 500 will be broadcast live on NBC television and MRN radio on
Sunday, August 31st.